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A project to create a space exploration experience shared through mobile apps is looking for backers on Kickstarter.
SkyCube is a 10x10x10 cm nano-satellite which will be able to take low-res pictures of Earth and also broadcast tweets uploaded by sponsors.
The satellite is intended for launch as a secondary payload on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2013. It will orbit more than 300 miles up, on a path highly inclined to the Earth’s equator, and pass over most of the world’s inhabited regions.
After 90 days SkyCube will use an 8-gram CO2 cartridge to inflate a 10-foot diameter balloon, making the satellite visible to the human eye as it sails across the sky. Within three weeks the balloon will bring SkyCube down to Earth.
Backers of the project can sponsor anywhere from 10 seconds to a whole day of the mission by pledging different amounts of money. Benefits of sponsoring range from broadcasting a tweet from space to the chance to see the satellite lift off.
SkyCube backers will be able to view images from orbit using the mobile apps, which are being developed along with the satellite.
Sponsoring opportunities begin at $1 and are open to anyone with a smartphone. Interested parties can back the project on its official Kickstarter page.
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